Sewing machine



March 31, 1942. HQHACKLANDER 2,277,971

SEWING MACHINE Filed Sept. -2, 1939 a Sheets-Sheet 1 JMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIII mr W "I Hams Has/slander March 31, 1942. H. HACKLANDER} 2,277,971

SEWING MACHINE Filed Sept. 2, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 I68 16? V r B 15 J69 I IL 6 a z e n Mfiax Ham Hackldnder March 31, 1942.

H. HACKLANDER SEWING MACHINE File d Sept. 2, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Hm Hacklander March 31, 1942; V H. HACKLANDER 2,277,971

I SEWING MACHINE Filed Sept. 2, 1959 a Sheets-Sheet 5 March 31, 1942. H. HACKLANDER 2,277,971

SEWING MACHINE Filed Sept. 2, 1939 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Hans Hacl'ilander Wifwe: v

March 31; 1942.

H. HACKLANDER SEWING MACHINE Filed Sept. 2, I939 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 March 31, 1942. 1-1. HACKLANDER 2,277,971

V SEWING MACHINE Filed Sept. 2, 1939 B Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Mar. 31, 1942 i FFECE snwnvn MACHINE Hans Haeklander, Linden, N. .L, assignor to The Singer Manufacturing Company, Elizabeth, N. 3., a corporation of New Jersey Application September 2, 1939, Serial No. 293,155

28 Claims.-

This invention relates to sewing machines and more particularly to a sewing machine of the type having feeding wheels or cups for supporting and feeding the work to the stitching mechanism.

An object of the invention is to provide improved operating mechanism for the stitch-forming devices so that the sewing machine can be operated at high speed with a minimum of vibration and with little attention by the operator as to the lubrication of the operating mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provdie a sewing machine of the above type wherein the supporting members for the looper and spreader are confined to simple oscillatory or rocking the devices, combinations, and arrangement of parts hereinafter set forth and illustrated in the accompanying drawings of a preferred embodiment of the invention, from which the several features of the invention and the advantages attained thereby will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a sewing machine embodying the invention with the outer feed-cup removed and a portion of the overhanging bracket broken away.

Fig. 2 is a left side elevation with a portion of the machine-frame broken away to show the adjustable mounting for the uncurling device.

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken through the machine-frame and illustrating the main-shaft and some of the connections actuated thereby.

Fig. 4 is. a vertical longitudinal sectional view I taken through the machine-frame and illustratin the needle-bar mechanism and the feeding mechanism. I

Fig. 5 is a top plan of the machine with the cover-plate removed showing the belt-drive for the outer feed-cup.

plvotally mounted feed-cup supporting lever for the outer feed-cup.

Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken through the machine-frame and illustrating the angular arrangement of the supporting members i for the looper and spreader.

Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the'machine with the lower cover-plate removed, showing the clutch and gear-drive for the feed-cups.

Fig. 9 is a. bottom plan view of the clutchactuating lever.

Figs. 10 and 11 are horizontal top sectional views taken substantially midway of the heights of the feed-advance clutch and the retrograde motion prevention clutch, showing the details of construction.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged view in elevation of the uncurling device used on the machine.

Fig. 13 is a left side view of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a right side view of Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary view of Fig. 12, showing the two latching detents which maintain the uncurling device in either operative or retracted position.

Fig. 16 represents a section taken substantially along the line l6l6, Fig. 12.

Fig. 17 is a disassembled perspective view showing the various elements 'of the uncurling guide latching device and the means for releasing the same. 1

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line l8--l8, Fig. 13, showing some of the details of the uncurling guide supporting means.

Frame and general structure Referring in detail to the drawings, the present illustrated embodiment of the invention includes a machine-frame I having a base-portion or' standard 2 and a laterally projecting overhanging bracket 3. Formed integral with the baseportion 2 and disposed beneath the overhanging bracket 3 is an extension 4 and a supporting lug 5, the latter sustaining the inner feed-cup 8 of the feeding mechanism and .the extension providing a housing for some of the actuating connections for the inner feed-cup 6. Cooperating with the inner feed-cup 6 is an outer feed-cup 1 which depends from the overhanging bracket 3. Removably secured upon the bracket 3 is a coverplate 8 which is secured by means of a screw 9.

Adjacent the top of the base-portion I is a horizontal partition III which divides the machine-frame into a splash-lubrication compart- Fig. 6 is an enlarged view in elevation of the men? II and a belt compartment 2. see Figs. 3

in holes in the table T and secured to the machine.

base by wing-nut bolts B. This resilient mounting for the machine absorbs vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted to the table.

Disposed in the splash-lubrication compartment ll transversely of the machine-frame is a mainshaft [6 journaled in bushings ll, Fig. 3, fixed in flanged sleeves I8 secured by screws in bosses cast in the base 2. Mounted on the opposite ends of the main-shaft l6 are the usual balance-wheels 2| each having a belt-groove 22. Each flanged sleeve I8 is formed with an oil-port 23 in register with a slot 24 in the boss 20 and an oil inlet port 25 in the bushing [1, whereby oil is introduced into the shaft bearing. To prevent leakage of oil, the main-shaft I6 at its opposite ends is provided with spiral grooves 26 which feed the excess oil in the shaft bearing back into the splash-lubrication compartment I I. In addition to this oil-guard, the flanged sleeve i8 is provided with an undercut circular recess 21 entered by a reduced portion 28 of the balancewheel 2|. Formed in the reduced portion 28 are several circular oil-collecting grooves 29. In the event that some oil should leak onto the balancewheel 2| this oil is collected in the grooves 29 and is thrown off by centrifugal force into the undercut recess 21 and is returned into the splashlubrication compartment H by a return port 30 formed in the lower portion of the fianged sleeve E8.

The main-shaft l6, as shown. in Figs. 3 and 7, is formed with a crank, in addition to having secured thereto three eccentrics, whereby all the connections within the compartment II are actuated.

From Fig. 4, it will be seen that the connections actuated by the main-shaft l6 and extending belowthe same dip into oil, whose normal level is shown by the line L in Fig. 4, contained in the base of the machine. These connections, during the operation of the machine, splash the oil throughout the lubrication compartment H of the machine and thereby thoroughly lubricate the mechanism contained therein. The level of the oil can be inspected from time to time preferably through a transparent window 3| having thereon a horizontal line 32 indicating the correct level of the oil.

Located in the belt compartment [2, see Fig. 5, is a conventional clip-belt 33 for actuating the outer feed-cup I, the pivotally mounted supporting lever 34 for the outer feed-cup I, and a lighting attachment 35. The belt compartment I2 is not opened to the splash-lubrication compart ment II so that the oil-laden atmosphere in the latter compartment does not find its, way onto the stitch-forming instrumentalities or the feedcups and contaminate the work.

From the above description, it will be understood that there is provided a machine-frame divided into two compartments, one of which is oil-tight and houses all the actuating mechanism operating at a high rate of speed, while the other of which is opened to the atmosphere and houses some of the actuating mechanism operating at a slower rate of speed. The pri- Needle-bar mechanism Referring to Figs. 3 and 4 it will be observed that the needle-bar mechanism comprises a needle 36 fixed in the needle-clamp 31 secured upon a horizontally disposed reciprocatory hollow needle-bar 38 journaled in bushings 39 and 40 fixed in the machine-frame. To effect a stripping of the oil from the needle-bar 38 as it reciprocates in the bushing 39, the bearing surface thereof has an annular recess 4| cut therein, which recess at its bottom opens into an oil-return groove 42 in the bushing 39 which directs any excess oil collected in the recess 4| back into the splash lubrication compartment l I.

The needle-bar 38 intermediate its ends has clamped thereto by means of a screw 43 a collar 44 provided with an upstanding guide-lug 45 adapted to slide in a guideway between gibs 46 secured to the bottom of the horizontal partition It] by screws 41. The function of the guidelug 45 is to provide means for preventing the needle-bar 38 from turning in its bearings as the same is reciprocated. Depending from the collar 44 isa lug 48 connected by a link 49 to the upper limb of a rock-lever 50 having an elongated hub 5l, see Fig. 7, journaled between collars 52 upon a fulcrum rod 53 fixed in spaced lugs 54 formed upon the machine-frame I. Connected to the lower limb of the lever 50 is a pit man 55 which is connected at its other end to a crank 56 formed in the main-shaft [6.

From the above, it will be obvious that rotation of the main-shaft I6 imparts to the needlebar 38, through the connections just described, a reciprocatory motion in time with the other stitch-forming instrumentalities later to be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the rear wall of the machine-frame is provided with a removable screw-plug 51 which can be removed to permit assembly of the needle-bar in its bearings.

, Looper-mechanism Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 4 and 7, the

looper 58, which is of the threaded type, is timedso that it seizes the thread-loop cast out by the needle 36 during the beginning of the needlereturn or withdrawal stroke, thereby enchaining the needle-thread-loop with the thread passing through the eye of the looper 58.

The looper 58 is secured in a clamp 59 fastened upon the outer end of a supporting shaft 60 journaled for oscillation in an angularly disposed elongated bushing 6| fixed in the machine-frame I. Clamped upon the inner end ofthe supporting shaft 60 is one end of a rock-lever 62 having at its other end a ball 63 and an extended guidepin 64, the ball 63 being received in the socketed upper end of a pitman 65 formed at its lower end with a split strap 66 adapted to embrace a ball eccentric 61 fastened upon the main-shaft 16. To prevent the pitman 65 from turning, there is secured to the upper end-portion thereof 2.27am p a forked member 68 which straddles the pin G l on the rock-lever 62.

The function of the looper 58, as indicated briefly above, is, first, to seize the thread-loop cast out by the needle 36, thereby enchaining the same with the thread carried by the looper, and secondly, to position that portion of thread carried by the looper and adjacent the loopereye so that the looper-thread can be engaged by a spreader which presents the locper-threadloop to the needle for entrance by the latter.

In the machine disclosed these two steps are.

effectively carried out by a simple oscillation of the looper 58 about the longitudinal axis of the supporting shaft to. In order that the movement of the looper 58 may be reduced to a minimum, the longitudinal axis of the supporting shaft 6t, see Fig. 7, is angularly arranged at an acute angle with respect to a vertical plane passing through the axis of the needle-bar 38. As distinguished from prior cup-feed machines, the angular arrangement of the looper-supporting shaft 60 simplifies the requisite motions imparted to the looper to accomplish stitch-formation. It will be understood that the looper point moves in a single plane and that only oscillatory movements need be imparted to the looper, in-

stead of both movements of oscillation and lateral bodily movements as in many prior inachines.

Referring to Fig. '4, it will be observed that the longitudinal axis of the looper-supporting shaft is disposed in asubstantially horizontal plane.

. This position of the looper-supporting shaft 60 is of added advantage over the inclined supporting shaft of existing machines particularly in connection with lubrication of the shaft 80, in that oil splashed upon the connections at the inner end of the shaft does not travel by gravity toward the outer end thereof and contaminate the looper or the thread carried thereby. It is v of course essential in machines of the cup-feed type that no oil shall find its way onto the stitchforming instrumentalities or the feed-cups, and any means used to prevent such formation of oil improves the machine.

Spreader mechanism Cooperating with the looper t and operating to spread the thread-loop presented by the looper for entrance by the needle 36 prior to its penetration of the fabric is a spreader 69, see Fig. 7. The spreader 69 forked at its free end is secured in a clamp m fastened upon the outer end of .a supporting shaft is joumaled in an angularly disposed elongated bushing 72 fixed in the machine-frame i. Clamped upon the inner end of the supporting shaft H is a rock-lever 13 formed at its other end with a ball we and an extended pin H5. The ball is is received in the socketed upper end of a pitman '46 whose lower end is formed with a two-part strap 11 embracing a ball eccentric it fast upon the main-shaft I6. To steady the pitman '56, there is securedto the upper end-portion thereof a forked member I9 which straddles the pin 15 on the rock-lever 73.'

' V The only function of the spreader 89 is to distend the looper-thread-loop so that the needle 36 will enter the same immediately before it with the looper-thread. carries its own thread over the edge of the fabric where the looperthread is engaged by the spreader 69. and a loop thereof distended downwardly in position for entrance by the needle 36 on its next work-penetrating stroke. In view of the angular arrangement of the spreader-supporting shaft H, see

Fig. '7, the motion required of the spreader is only an oscillatory motion of relatively small are about the longitudinal axis of the supporting shaft II. It will be seen that the spreader point also only moves in a single plane.

Inasmuch as the motions of the looper 58 and I the spreader 89 are simple rocking movements, it

can be understood that oil-tight joints may be made between the bushings ti and I2 and the frame of the machine.. The angular or convergent arrangement of the looper-supporting shaft 60 and the spreader-supporting shaft II is of decided utility in that the only motions required of the looper 58 and the spreader 69 are movements of oscillation. The use of such simple v a three-thread seam is required it is only necesthread-loop and thereby enchaining the same sary to replace the spreader with an eye-pointed threaded looper, and the machine as modified will produce a three-thread seam efiiciently.

Feeding mechanism The work is adapted to be intermittently fed through the machine in a vertically disposed position by means of the inner feed-cup 6 and the outer feed-cup i; Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be seen that the inner feedcup 6 is secured by screw upon'the upper reduced end-portion of a vertical feed-shaft 8| which is joumaled in spaced bushings 82 and 83 fixed in the frame-lug 5 and the extension 4, respectively. Forming a housing for the vertical feed-shaft BI is a relatively thin stationary tube or sheath B4 of which the upper end is fixed in the lug 5 and the lower end is fixed in the extension 4. The tube 84 serves as a guard for preventing the work from becoming .wound upon the feed-shaft 8| as the latter is rotated and also, since the tube has a tight fit in the extension 4, the oil in the machine-frame I may rise in the tube to the same level as the oil in the machine-frame, thereby lubricating the lower bearing for the feed-shaft 8|. The upper bearing is lubricated by hand (Fig. 4) through a central bore 85 and radial ducttB, the oil being distributed throughout the length of the bearing by the spiral oil-groove 81 cut into the feedshaft 8|.

The feed-shaft 8| has fastened upon its lower end-portion a spur gear 88 which meshes witha second spur gear 89 secured to the lower 'end of a feed-actuating shaft 90 joumaled within the splash-lubrication compartment H. The feed actuating shaft 90 is intermittently turned by a common form of one-way clutch 9| having an actuating-arm 92 connected by a link 93 to the lower end of an angle lever 94 joumaled upon'a stationary fulcrum-stud 95 fixed 'in a lug 98 integral with the machine-frame l. The angle lever 94 is'oscillated upon the fulcrum-stud 85 feed-cup supporting lever 34.

by an adjustable feed-eccentric 91 through the pitman connection 93. Access to the adjustable eccentric 91 may be had by removing thescrewplug 99 in the machine-frame I. The provision of the adjustable eccentric permits the amount of turning movement imparted to the feed-cups 6 and I to be varied in accordance with the stitchlength desired.

From Fig. 3, it will be observed that the fulcrum-stud 95 is threaded into the lug 96 and is held against turning by a set-screw I00. To prevent movement of the hub of the elbow lever 94 lengthwise of the fulcrum-stud 95, a collar I] is secured upon the inner end of the fulcrumstud 95.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the feed-actuating shaft 90 has secured upon its upper end a notched belt-pulley I02 which is connected by a common form of clip-belt 33 to a second, or outer, notched belt-pulley I04 fastened upon the upper end of a depending feed-shaft I05 supporting at its lower end the outer feed-cup I. The two belt-pulleys I02 and I04 are preferably constructed of a soft material, such as fiber or the like, to minimize wear and noise. The depending feed-shaft I05 is journaled in spaced bearings provided in the opposite ends of a stationary sheath I06 formed at its lower end with a flange I01 for supporting the usual needleguide I08, and at its upper end clamped by screw I09 in the split end IIO of the pivotally mounted description, it will be understood that the two feed-cups 6 and I are intermittently driven simultaneously to advance the material in one direction past the stitching mechanism, and that the amount of movement imparted to the feedcups per reciprocation of the needle is controlled houses that part of the clutch which impartsto the feed-cups their work-advancing move ments, while cavity II4 houses that part of the clutch which prevents retrograde movement of the feed-cups. seen that the actuating-arm 92 is rigidly fastened by means of three screws H5 to the bottom of a clutch-member H6 disposed in the cavity II3. The clutch-member is preferably formed with three suitable undercuts or recesses I I1 providing inclined surfaces II8. Disposed in each of the recesses H1 is a relatively short cylinder or roller H9 which is engaged by a plunger I20 backed by a coil-spring I2I, the plunger I20 acting to force the'said roller toward the narrow end of the recess and wedge the same between the inclined surface H8 and the periphery of the cavity I I3. In order to increase the life of the clutch, each inclined surface is fitted with a hardened steel wear-plate I22, and in order to distribute the wear across a substantial area of the surface of each wear-plate the center of the cavity I I3 is eccentric to the longitudinal axis of the feed-actuating shaft 90 an amount equal ,to E, shown clearly by the two dot-and-dash lines connecting Figs. and 1 1. This eccentricity permits the rollers II9 to travel in and out of the recesses III, and in different relative positions of the clutch member, H6 and From the above From Figs. 9 and '10 it will be the housing 9| the rollers I I9 contact different points along the surface of the wear-plates I22.

As indicated above, that partof the clutch which prevents retrograde movement of the feedcups 6 and I is housedin cavity II4, see Figs. 4.- and 11. The elements of this part of the clutch,

with the exception of the locking clutch member I23, are duplicates of the work-advancing part of the clutch above described and therefore need no further description. The locking clutch member- I23, see Fig. 4, is form (1 with a vertical sleeve I24, the bore of which is slightly larger in diameter than the size of the feed-actuating shaft 90. The sleeve I24 is held against turning in a'lug I25 by a screw I26 threaded into said lug. In operation, as the actuating arm 92 is oscillated by the adjustable eccentric 91, the work-advancing or lower portion ofthe clutch 9| cups in a direction to advance the work past the stitching mechanism, while the upper portion of the clutch 9| functions to prevent retrograde motion of the feed-cups.

Feed-cup separating mechanism To facilitate the introduction of the work between the two feed-cups, means is provided whereby the outer feed-cup 1 can be shifted away from the inner feed-cup 6 whenever desirable. This means comprises the feed-cup supporting lever 34. which, as previously described, has clamped in its split forward end IIO the sheath I06 in which is journaled the feed-shaft I05.

stud I30 is secured by screw I34 in a boss I35 cast integral with the machine-frame I. The two bearing lugs I21 and I28 are spaced to provide a clearance for the clip-belt 33.

At the inner end of the-feed-cup supporting lever 34 (see Figs. 4 and 5) there is formed an offset lug I36 and at right angles to the main body of the supporting lever 34 a stop-arm I31 adapted to be received between two adjustable stop-bars I38 and I39, which limit the extent of movement of the outer feed-cup 1 toward and away from the inner feed-cup 6. It will be observedin Fig. 4 that the upper stop-bar I38 is threaded upon the adjusting screw I40 and is guided by the second adjusting screw I4I, while the lower stop-bar I39 is threaded upon the second adjusting screw MI and guided by the first adjusting screw I40. By having the upper stopbar I38 adjustable, the outer feed-cup I may be initially set at various distances from the inner feed-cup 6 depending upon the thickness of the material being sewn. After the stop-bar I38 has beencorrectly set, the lower stop-bar I39 can be adjusted to limit movement of the outer feed-cup in a direction away from the inner'feed-cup. In

order to facilitate assembly, the two adjusting screws I43 and MI are reduced at their lower ends and set into apertures I42 drilled in the Referring now to Fig. 3, it will be seen that the offset lug I36 provided at the inner end of the functions to' intermittently turn the feed- The housing I41 provides an oil-seal and eliminates leakage of oil from the splash-lubrication compartment II.

Means is provided for maintaining the outer f feed-cup in its lowered or operative position and this means comprises a coil-spring I49 surrounding the control rod I46, the upper end of the spring bearing against the bottom of the offset lug I36 on the feed-cup supporting lever 34 and the lower end of the spring bearing on a washer I49 at the top of a tubular spacer member I50 within the housing I41. The bottom of the tubular spacer member I50 is in engagement with the top of an adjusting sleeve I5I threaded into the boss I40. The adjusting sleeve I5I at its lower end is formed with a knurled head I52 and has threaded upon its shank a locking nut I53 for securing the adjusting sleeve in any set position. From the above description it will be understood that the coil-spring I49 yieldingly maintains the stop-arm I31 in contact with the upper stop-bar I38 which initially positions the outer feed-cup 1 a definite distance from the inner feed-cup 6. and that the tension of the coil-spring I49 can be regulated by the adjusting It will be understood from the above description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings that there has been provided in a cup-feed sewing machine a feed-cup separating mechanism which is fully housed within the machine-frame, without any of the component elements thereof being exposed to view. Access may be had to the majority of the individual elements of the feed-cup separating mechanism by removal of the cover-plate 6 on the overhanging bracket 3.

Lighting attachment In a machine of the type disclosed wherein the stitch-forming, instrumentalities, feed-cups and a fabric-guide are necessarily crowded into a relatively small space, it is decidedly advantageous to have a sufficient amount of light directed to the vicinity of the stitching point so that the operator may observe the characterof the stitching and the position of the work as it passes through the machine.

In the present case, the machine-frame I (see Fig. 2) is preferably formed with an inclined cavity I54 directly beneath the laterally projecting overhanging bracket 3. Disposed in the cavity I56 is a conventional lamp-socket I65 which is secured in position preferably by means of a clamp or strap I56 held in place by a screw I51 threaded into the machine-frame. Detachably secured in the socket I is a low-voltage incandescent lamp I58, the free end of which is disbase-portion 2. Current is supplied to the lamp from a suitable tically through the splash-lubrication compartment II. Projecting from the bottom of the conduit I60 is the usual flexible BX covering I6I protecting the insulated conductor I59. For a more detailed description of the present lighting attachment reference may be had to my copending divisional application Serial No. 307,725, filed Dec. 6, 1939.

If it is desired, the upper portion of the lamp I56 can be painted black or otherwise shaded to minimize the glare of the lamp.

Uncurlin guide When the machine illustrated is used for certain operations, such as seaming hosiery, it is fitted with an uncurling guide which uncurls and directs. the edges of the fabric preparatory to stitching. The uncurling guide shown in the accompanying drawings forms the subject of my United States Patent No. 2,256,881, issued Sept. 23, 1941.

The uncurling guide, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2,

' is located directly in front of the feed-cups 6 a transverse rib I13 adapted to be received in a and 1. The guide includes a central guiding plate I62 terminating at its upper end in a supporting shank portion I63. Disposed on opposite sides of the guiding plate- I62 adjacent its lower end are uncurlers I64 and I65 yieldingly pressed by springs I66 against the faces of the guiding plate. Each of the uncurlers is of regular construction and further description is therefore not necessary. The uncurling guide is mounted upon a support including a horizontalplate I61, an angle'bracket I68 and a vertical plate I 69, whereby the guide is adapted to be adjusted laterally of the plane of the'fabrics, toward or away from the feed-cups and raised or lowered relative to the stitching point. In Fig. 2 it will be seen that the horizontal plate I61 is formed with a longitudinal rib I 10 adapted to be received in a groove in the overhanging bracket 9 and is held in set position by a clamping screw III passing through an elongated aperture I12 in the overhanging bracket 3. The aperture I12 is elongated so that the horizontal plate I61- can be adjusted laterally.

At its forward end the plate I61 is formed with groove formed in the horizontal limb of the anglebracket I66. Extending through an elongated transverse aperture I14 (see Fig. 18) in the horizontal limb of the angle bracket I66 is a clamp- When the screw I15 is released the angle bracket I68 can be shifted in a line parallel to the line of feed of the work, and then the screw may be I tightened for securing said bracket in its adjusted source by an insulated conductor I59 which extends through a tubular conduit I60 passing ver- T position.

Formed in the vertical limb of the angle bracket I68 is an elongated vertical aperture I16 through I which extends the clamping screw I11 threaded into the vertical plate I69. To maintain the plate I69 in correct vertical position relative to the vertical limb of the angle-bracket I68, the latter is provided with a vertical groove I16 (see Fig. 18) which is entered by a rib I19 on the vertical plate I69. Vertical adjustment of the plate I69 is effected by means of an adjusting bolt I annularly grooved to receive the horizontal projection I6! formed on the angle bracket I68 and threaded into a lug I82 integral with the vertii a1 plate I69. When the clamping screw I11 is released and the adjusting bolt I80 is turned, it will positively raise and lower the verticalplate and the locking disk. To permit the central guiding plate I62 to turn freely upon the boss I84, the width of said boss is slightly in excess of the thickness of the central guiding plate.

To positively hold the uncurling guide in set positions, the locking disk I85 is formed with three notches I81, I88 and I89. Cooperating with these notches are two pivotal latches I90 and I9I biased toward each other by a coil-spring I92 connected by screws I93 to the free ends of the latches. The two latches are controllcd by the lever I94 having oppositely directed faces I95 and I96 and fulcrumed upon a stud I91 threaded into an ear I98 formed on the shank I63 of the central guiding plate I62. The stud I91, in addition to supporting the lever I94, also provides the pivot for the two latches I98 and I9I, the

adjacent ends of which are apertured, as at I99 and 208, to receive the stud I91.

Referring now to Fig. 12, it will be understood that the uncurling guide is shown in full lines in its normal operative position. In such position the latch I98 is disposed in the notch I81 in the locking disk I85, while the latch I9I rides on the periphery of the locking disk, the latch I90 being held in the notch I81 by the coil-spring I92. When it is desired to shift the uncurling guide out of operative position and into the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12, the lever I94 is moved in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 12) about the stud I91. and the initial movement of the lever I94, which movement is independent of the central guiding plate I82, raises the latch I90 out of the notch I81. When the latch is entirely clear of the notch. the lever I94 and the central guiding plate I62 move as a unit, tuming the guide about the axis of the cylindrical shoulder I84 on the locking disk I85 until the latch I9I registers with and enters the notch I88 in the locking disk. During this turning of the guide the latches I 98 and I9I ride upon the periphery of the locking disk I85, the coil-spring I92 being sufficiently strong so that pressure on the lever I94 in a counterclockwise direction will not tend to lift the latch I98 off the periphery of the locking disk I85, but will effect a substantially rigid connection between the lever I94 and the guide.

w en it is desired to return the uncurling guide to operative position, such as shown in full lines in Fi 12. the lever I94 is turned in a clockwise direction, thereby first moving the latch I9I out of the notch I88 and, secondly, turning the guide about the boss I84 until the latch I90 registers with and enters the notch I81 in the locking disk I84.

From the above description, it will be apparent that an uncurling guide has been provided having means including two latches controlled by a single guide-shifting lever for positively locking the guide in or out of operative position.

When threading the needle or the looper, or when adjusting or renewing any of the stitchforming instrumentalities, it is desirable to have the uncurling guide shifted to a'position such that it will not interfere. To provide for this, the locking disk I is formed with a third notch I89 adapted to receive the latch I9I. In order to swing the guide so that the latch I9I may enter the notch I85, it is first necessary to shift the guide into the position illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 12. The operator must then hold the guide stationaryand at the same time move the lever I94 toward the guide, or in a clockwise direction, thereby to disengage the latch I9I from the notch I88. After this disengagement is accomplished, a pressure on the guide in a counterclockwise direction will swing the guide to bring the latch I9I into register with the notch I89.

,When it is desired to return the guide to operaconnection with the accompanying drawings, the

construction, arrangement of parts and several advantages of my improved sewing machine will be clearly and fully unnderstood. It will be un derstood that the form, construction and ar-' rangement of the elements employed-may be-varied, and the privilege is reserved of resorting to all such legitimate changes therein as may be fairly embodied within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

It will be appreciated that one of the attainments of the present invention is the development of a stitch-forming mechanism for a cupfeed sewing machine, wherein the thread-handling implements complemental to the usual needle are secured to carriers or supporting shafts 60 and H which are-relatively convergentfsee Fig, '1) toward the implements carried thereby and which are confined to oscillatory movements about their longitudinal axes. With this convergent arrangement only simple oscillatory movements of the two thread-handling implements 58 and 69 are required to assist the needle in proper stitch-formation. The simplified motions of the thread-handling implements can be produced through the use of mechanism susceptible of good balance, permitting the operation of the machine at high rates of speed, in the order of 5000 to 5500 stitches per minute, with a minimum of vibration. Also the simple motions imparted to the looper and spreader donot have any adverse thread-pulling or take-up influence on the sewing threads during their concatenation or during the setting of the stitches, with the result that the stitches are not prematurely set on the stitch-finger, but are formed with a uniform tightness suflicient to produce a relatively compact and neat seam.

Having thus set forth the nature of the invention. what I claim herein Is:

1. A sewing machine having, in combination. a frame formed with a closed lubrication com partment. feed-cups located exteriorly of and ranged angularly to each other, and means withi in said closed lubrication compartment for connecting said rock-shafts to said actuating shaft for moving said oscillatable elements so that their extremities operate in single planes only.

2. A sewing machine having in combination, a frame, feed-cups having vertical axes exteriorly of and supported by said frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections, stitch-forming devices including a needle and two oscillatable elements for producing stitches in said fabric sec tions, an actuating shaft journaled in said frame, a reciprocatory rod supportingsaid needle and movable in a vertical plane containing the axis of each of the feed-cups, supporting members for said oscillatable elements each penetrating said frame at an acute angle to the verticalplane said standard and carrying said second feed-cup,

' and means connecti g said last named shaft to said feed-actuating/shaft, whereby the two feedcups aresimultaneously and positively turned to advance the work through the machine.

6. In a sewing machine, a frame including a standard formed with a closed lubrication compartment and a laterally projecting overhanging bracket formed with a belt compartment, a mainshaft journaled in said standard and extendin through said lubrication compartment, a feedactuating shaft also journaled in said standard '-and having one of itsend portions projecting containing the axes of the feed-cups, and means connecting the supporting members of sid stitchforming devices to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements to said devices.

3. A sewing machine having, in combination,

a frame, feed-cups having vertical axes exteriorly of and supported by said frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections, stitch-forming devices including a needle and two oscillatable elements for producing stitches in said fabric sections, an actuating shaft journaled in said frame; a reciprocatory rod supporting said needle and movable in a vertical plane containing the axisiof each of the feed-cups, supporting members for; said oscillatable elements each arranged at oppositesides of and each at an acute angle to the vertical plane containing the axes of the feedcups, and means connecting the supporting members of said stitch-forming devices to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements to said devices.

4. In a sewing machine,'a frame including a standard and a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket, a main-shaft journaled in said standard, a feed-actuating shaft also journaled in said standard and having one end thereof extending me said overhanging hollow bracket, means connecting said main-shaft to said feedactuating shaft for imparting turning movements in one direction to the latter, means for preventing retrograde movements of said feed-actuating shaft, a shaft depending from said overhanging hollow bracket and carrying at its lower end a intorthe closed lubrication compartment and its opposite end projecting into the belt compartment in saidoverhanging bracket, means connecting said main-shaft to said feed-actuating shaft for impartingturning movements in one direction to the latter shaft, a shaft depending from said overhanging bracket and carrying at its lower'end a feed-cup, a belt within said belt compartment-for connecting said depending shaft with said feed-actuating shaft, a second feed-cup cooperating with said first feed-cup, a shaft supported by said standard and carrying at its upper end said second feed-cup and at its lower end projecting into the closed lubrication compartment in said, standard, and means operatively connecting said last named shaft to said feedactuating shaft. Y

7. In a sewing machine, a frame including a standard formed-with a closed lubrication compartment and a laterally projecting overhanging bracket formed with a belt compartment, a mainshaft journaled in said standard and extending through said lubrication compartment, a feedactuating shaft also journaled in said standard and having one of its end portions projecting into the lubrication compartment and its opposite end projecting into the belt compartment, means including a clutch assembly for connecting said main-shaft to said feed-actuating shaft for imfeed-cup, a belt within said hollow bracket for connecting said depending shaft with said feedactuating shaft, a second feed-cup cooperating with said first feed-cup, a shaft supported by said standard and carrying said second feed-cup, and

means connecting said last named shaft .to said feed-actuating shaft, whereby the two feed-cups are simultaneously and positively turned to advance the work through the machine.

5. In a sewing machine, a frame including a standard and a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket, a main-shaft journaled in said standard, a feed-actuating shaft also journaled in said standard and having one end thereof extending into said hollow bracket, a one-way clutch mounted upon the feed-actuating shaft and operatively connected to said main-shaft a I parting turning movements in one direction to the latter shaft, a pivotally mounted supporting lever disposed within the belt compartmentv in said overhanging bracket, a shaft supported by and depending from one end of said pivotally mounted supporting bracket and carrying at its lower end a feedazup, a belt within said belt compartment for connecting said depending shaft with said feed-actuating shaft, adjustable stopmeans located within the belt compartment and accessible for adjustment outside of said belt compartment for limiting movement'of said pivotally mounted supporting lever, a second feed-cup cooperating with said first feed-cup, a shaft supported by said standard and carrying at its upper end said second feed-cup and at its lower end pro ecting into the closed lubrication compartment in said standard, and means operatively connecting said last named actuating shaft.

8. A sewing machine having, in combinationa frame, feed-cups exteriorly of and supported by shaft to said feedsaid frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections, stitch-forming devices including a needle and two complemental oscillatable elements cooperating therewith for producing stitches in said fabric sections, an actuating shaft journaled in said frame,-a reciprocatory rod supportin said needle and movable in-a single line, supporting shafts for said oscillatable elements each journaled in said frame at opposite sides of and each at an acute angle to a vertical plane containing the line of movement of the needle-supporting rod, and means connecting the supporting shafts and the needle supporting rod to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements to said stitch-forming devices.

9. A sewing machine having, in. combination, a frame, feed-cups exteriorly of and supported by said frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections, stitch-forming devices including a needle and two complemental oscillatable elements cooperating therewith for producing stitches in said fabric sections, an actuating shaft ournaled in said frame, a needle-bar carrying said needle and movable endwise in a substantially horizontal plane, supporting members for said oscillatable elements sustained in substantially horizontal planes by said frame and at least one of which is arranged at an angle to a vertical plane containing the line of movement of said needle-bar, and means connecting the supporting members of said stitch-forming devices 'to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements to said devices.

10. A cup-feed sewing machine comprising, a frame including a standard and a lateral bracket, feed-cups exteriorly of and supported by said frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections, stitch-forming devices including a needle, looper and spreader adapted for cooperation above said feed-cups, an actuating shaft journaled in the standard of said frame, a needle-carrying bar journaled for endwise reciprocation in said standard, a looper-carrying bar journaled for oscillatory movements only about its longitudinal axis in said standard above the level of said needlecarrying bar, a spreader-carrying bar also journaled for oscillatory movements only about its longitudinal axis in said standard above the level of said needle-carrying bar, the longitudinal axes of the needle-carrying bar, looper-carrying bar, and spreader-carrying bar being disposed in parallel planes, and means connecting the aforementioned respective bars to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements to said stitchforming devices.

11. A sewing machine having, in combination, a frame, feed-cups exteriorly of and supported by said frame for susptaining and feeding fabric sections, stitch-forming devices including a needle, looper and spreader adapted for cooperation above said feed'cups, an actuating shaft journaled in said frame, a substantially horizontal needle-carrying bar journaled for endwise reciprocation in said frame, a substantially horizontal looper-carrying shaft journaled for oscillation about its longitudinal axis in said frame above the level of said needle-carrying bar, a substantially horizontal spreader-carrying bar also journaled for oscillation about its longitudinal axis in said frame above the level of said needlecarrying bar, the longitudinal axes of the loopercarrying bar and spreader-carrying bar being arranged in a relative angular relation to each othe, and means connecting the needle-carrying bar, the looper-carrying bar and the spreadercarrying bar to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements to said stitch-forming devices.

12. Stitch-forming mechanism for a cup-feed said implements extending through a wall of said frame defining said lubricant compartment above the level of said needle, said carrier-members being relatively convergent toward the implements carried thereby and confined to oscillatory movements about fixed axes, and actuating mechanism disposed within said compartment for oscillating said carrier-members.

13. The combination set forth in claim 12 in which the angle of convergence between the carrier-members is an acute angle. 1

14. In a sewing machine, a frame including a standard having a base and a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket, stitch-forming devices, a main-shaft journaled in said frame, feedcups located exteriorly of said frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections, shafts carrying at their extremities said feed-cups,, means op-' eratively connecting said feed-cup supporting shafts to said main-shaft for rotation in one direction, means including a lever pivoted within said laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket for sustaining one of said feed-cups for movement toward and away from said other feedcup, and manually controlled means connected to said lever for separating said feed-cups to facilitate the introduction and removal of the fabric sections between said feed-cups, said manually controlled means being housed within said frame and operable through the base of said standard.

15. In a sewing machine, a frame including a standard having a base and a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket, stitch-forming devices, a main-shaft journaled in said frame, feedcups located exteriorly of said frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections. a shaft depend ing from said overhanging hollow bracket and carrying one of said feed-cups, a second shaft arranged substantially parallel to said first-men'- tioned shaft and carrying the other of said feedcups, means operatively connecting said feedcup carrying shafts to said main-shaft for rotation in one direction, means including a lever pivoted within said overhanging hollo'w bracket for supporting said depending feed-cup carrying shaft for limited movement toward and away from said other feed-cup, manually controlled means connected to said lever for separating said feed-cups to facilitate the introduction and removal of the fabric sections between said feedcups, said manually controlled means being housed within said frame and operable through the base of said standard,'and adjustable stops accessible for adjustment outside of the frame for limiting the extent of relative movement between said feed-cups.

16. In a sewing machine, a frame including a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket and a standard provided with a closed lubrication compartment, stitch-forming devices, a mainshaft journaled in said standard and penetrating said closed lubrication compartment, feed-cups located exteriorly of said frame for sustaining and feeding fabric sections, a shaft depending from said overhanging hollow bracket and carrying one of said feed-cups, a second shaft arranged substantially parallel to said first-mentioned shaft and carrying the other of said feed-cups. means operatively connecting said feed-cup carrying shafts to said main-shaft for rotation in one direction, means including a lever pivoted within said overhanging hollow bracket for supporting said depending feed-cup carrying shaft for limited movement toward and away from said other feed-cup, manually controlled means compartment closed at its bottom by a detachable plate, stitch-forming devices, a main-shaft journaled in said standard, feed-cups located exteriorly of and beneath said overhanging bracket, a shaft depending from said overhang ing bracket and carryin one of said feed-cups,

a second-shaft substantially parallel to said first mentioned shaft and carrying the other of said feed-cups, means operatively connecting said feed-cup carrying shafts to said main-shaft for turning movement in one direction, means including a lever pivoted to said overhanging bracket for supporting said depending feed-cup carrying shaft for limited movement toward and away from said other feed-cup, manually controlled means adapted to be housed within ,said frame and including a connection extending through the lubrication compartment in said standard and accessible from beneath the latter, and a sheath fixed in the detachable plate of said standard and extending through said lubrication compartment to surround said connecttion and prevent the egressof oil from the lubrication compartment. I

18. A sewing machine comprising, a frame including a standard and a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket, a main-shaft journaled in said standard, feed-cupslocated exteriorly of and located beneath said overhanging hollow'bracket, stitch-forming devices cooperating above the level of said feed-cups to seam fabric sections, a shaft depending from said overhanging hollow bracket and carrying one of said feed-cups, a second shaft arranged substantially parallel to said first mentioned shaft and carrying the other of said feed-cups, means operatively connecting said feed-cup carrying shafts to said main-shaft for rotation in one direction, a lever pivoted within saidloverhanging hollow bracket for supporting said depending feed-cup carrying shaft for limited movement toward and away from said other feed-cup, means for biasing said feed-cups into workclamping relation, a control-rod connected to said lever and housed within said standard and accessible from beneath the latter for separating said feed-cups for the insertion and removal of the fabric sections, a stop-arm provided on said pivoted lever, and adjustable stop-means within said overhanging hollow bracket for cooperation with said stop-arm to limit the extent ofrrelative movement of said feed-cups.

19. A sewing machine comprising, a frame including a standard and a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket, a main-shaft journaled in said standard, feed-cups located exteriorly of and located beneath said overhanging hollow bracket, stitch-forming devices cooperating above the level of said feed-cups to scam fabric sections, a shaft depending from said overhanging hollow bracket, and carrying one of said feed-cups, a second shaft arranged substantially parallel to said first mentioned shaft and carrying the other'of said feed-cups, means operatively connecting said feed-cup carrying shafts to said main-shaft for rotation in one direction, a lever pivoted'wlthin'said overhanging hollow bracket for supporting said depending feed-cup carrying shaft for limited move ment toward and away from said other feedcup, a contr'ol-rodconnected to said lever and mounted for endwise movement in a sleeve adjustably supported in said machine-frame, said control-arm adapted to be manually operated to separate said feed-cups for the insertion and removal of the fabric sections, and means including a spring for biasing said feed-cups into work-clamping relation, the action of said spring adapted to be regulated by the adjustable sleeve guiding said control-rod.

20. A sewing machine comprising, a frame in- 'cluding a standard and a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket, a main shaft journaled in said standard, feed-cups located exteriorly of and located beneath said overhanging hollow bracket, stitch-forming devices cooperating above the level of said feed-cups to seam for endwise movement in a sleeve threaded into said machine-frame, said control-rod adapted to provide means for separating said feed-cups for. the insertion and removal of the fabric sections, and means including a coiled spring surrounding said control-rod and bearing against said lever for biasing said feed-cups into workclamping relation, the force exerted by. said spring adapted to be regulated by the sleeve threaded into said machine-frame.

21. A sewing machine having, in combination,

a fram'eincluding a laterally projecting overhanging hollow bracket and a standard formed with an oil-tight lubrication compartment closed at its bottom by a detachable plate, two feedcups exteriorly of and located beneath said overhanging hollow bracket, stitch-forming devices cooperating-above the level of the feed-cups to seam fabric sections, a shaft depending from said overhanging hollow bracket and carrying one of said feed-cups, a second shaft carrying the other of said feed-cups, means operatively connecting said feed-cup carrying shafts to said mainshaft, a lever pivoted within said overhanging hollow bracket for supporting said depending feed-cup carrying shaft for limited movement toward and away from said other feed-cup, oilsealing means in the form of a tubular sheath secured to the detachable plate of said standard and extending through said lubrication compartment and into said overhanging hollow bracket, a sleeve threaded into said detachable plate and extending into the lower end of said tubular sheath, a control-rod endwise slidable in said sleeve and connected to the lever pivoted .within i said overhanging hollow bracket, said control-rod adapted to provide means for separating said feed-cups for the insertion and removal of the fabric sections, and means including a spring coiled aboutsaid control-rod for biasing said feed-cups into work-clamping relation, the force exerted by said spring adapted to be regulated by the sleeve threaded into said detachable late. 22. A sewing machine having, in combination, a frame provided with a wall, an actuating shaft journaled in said frame, feed-cups locatedexteriorly of and supported by said frame adjacent said wall for sustaining and feeding fabric sections in a substantially vertical plane, stitchforming devices including a needle and two oscillatable thread-handling implements, a reciprocatory bar journaled in said wall and carrying said needle, supporting means, for said oscillatable thread-handling implements including rock-shafts journaled in the wall in which said needle-carrying bar is journaled, said rock-' shafts being relatively convergent toward the implements carried thereby, and means connecting said needle-carrying bar and said rock-shafts to' said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements thereto.

23. A sewing machine having, in combination, a frame provided with a substantially flat vertical wall, feed-cups located exteriorly of and supported'by said frame adjacent said flat vertical wall for sustaining and feeding fabric sections in a vertical plane, stitch-forming devices including a needle and two oscillatable elements,

a bar carrying said needle and journaled for endwise reciprocation in said substantially flat vertical wall, supporting means for said oscillatable elements including shafts journaled in bearings provided in the substantially flat vertical wall of said frame above the level of said needle-carry- -ing bar, said bearings having their axes disposed at an angle to one-another, means to confine said shafts against endwise movement, and means connecting said shafts and needle-carrying bar to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements to said stitch-forming devices.

24. Stitch-forming mechanism for a sewing machine having a frame and a pair of feed-cups adapted for supporting and feeding fabric sections in a vertical plane, including, a needle, a

bar carrying said needle and journaled for endwise reciprocation in a bearing provided in said frame, a pair of thread-handling implements complemental to said needle in the formation of stitches, carrier-members for said implements journaled in bearings provided in said frame at the same side of the vertical plane containing the fabric sections as is the bearing supporting said needle-carrying bar, said carrier-members being relatively convergent toward the implements carriedthereby and confined to oscillatory movements about fixed axes, and actuating bearing providedin said frame, a pair of threadhandling implements complemental to said needle in the formation of stitches, carriermembers for said implements journaled in bearings provided in said frame above the level of and at thesame side of the vertical plane containing the fabric sections as is the bearing supporting said needle-carrying bar, said carriermembers being relatively convergent toward the implements carried thereby and confined to oscillatory movements only about fixed axes, and actuating mechanism for operating said needle and said thread-handling implements.

26. A cup-feed sewing machine having, in combination, cooperating feed-cups between which the work passes, a frame havinga wall at one side of the'plane of the work passing between the feed-cups, stitch-forming instrumentalities including a needle and at least two thread-handling implements complemental thereto, an actuating shaft journaled in said frame, a needle-bar carrying said needle and having a right line movement through said wall of'the frame, supporting rock-shafts for said thread-handling implements penetrating said wall of said frame and arranged angularly to each other, means 'connecting said needle-bar and said rock-shafts to said actuating shaft for actuation thereby, and means to confine said rock-shafts against endwise movement, whereby the extremitiesof said thread-handling imple- -ments operate vin single planes only.

27. A cup-feed sewing machine having, in

combination, cooperating feed-cups between which the work passes, a frame provided with a closed lubrication compartment having a wall at one side of the plane of the work passing between said feed-cups, stitch-forming instrumentalities including a needle and at least two other thread-handling implements cooperating therewith, an actuating shaft extending through said closed lubrication compartment, a needle-bar carrying said needle, rock-shafts supporting said thread-handling implements, said needle-bar and rock-shafts mounted in and passing through bushings in said wall of said lubrication compartment, means connecting said needle-bar and rock-shafts to said actuating shaft, and means to confine said rock-shafts against endwise movement, whereby the extremities of said thread-handling implements operate in single planes.

28. A cup-feed sewing machine having, in combination,'a frame provided with a wall, an actuating shaft journaled in said frame, stitchforming devices including a needle and two oscillatable thread-handling implements, a reciprocatory bar journaled in said wall and carrying said needle, supporting means for said oscillatable thread-handling implements including rockshafts journaled in the wall in which said needlecarrying bar is journaled, said rock-shafts'being relatively convergenttoward the implements carried thereby, means to confine said rock-shafts against endwise movement, and means connecting said needle-carrying bar and said rock-shafts to said actuating shaft for imparting operative movements thereto.

HANS HACKLANDER. 

